McGair: DiSarcina exciting to see pitching prospect make PawSox debut

By editor

Created 04/05/2013 - 16:24

By BRENDAN McGAIR
Sports writer
MOOSIC, Pa. – Gary DiSarcina saw enough of Allen Webster during spring training to draw the same conclusion that is undoubtedly shared by many in the Red Sox organization.
Simply stated, the 23-year-old Webster is looked upon as an up-and-comer. His first mound assignment in a PawSox uniform takes place Friday night against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. DiSarcina noted that the right-handed Webster is slated to throw no more than 80 pitches. Based on the scouting report the Pawtucket manager offered, it would appear the RailRiders are facing someone who puts the “p” in power pitching.
“I think he throws his sinker at 95 miles-an-hour and his changeup is 86-87, which is a little firm,” noted DiSarcina. “He’s a power arm.”
DiSarcina was asked about the difference in velocity when Webster is throwing fastballs as opposed to changeups and whether the skipper felt there was enough separation between the pitches.
“It’s a concern, but he has a tremendous changeup. Right now, he’s got two plus-plus pitches,” said DiSarcina. “It will be interesting to see how he does on a cold night (it’s expected to be around 50 degrees by the time first pitch rolls around at 7:05).”
Webster was one of the key pieces the came to Boston following last summer’s mega deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His big-league spring training numbers were sterling – 14 strikeouts in 11 innings with opponents hitting just .220 against him.